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Wellington continue to set Championship pace

Southland's winless season continued with a comprehensive 12-61 loss to Wellington in Invercargill on Saturday.

With eight losses in as many games, the hosts were looking for a minor miracle as the runaway Championship leaders aimed to start with a roar.

Both sides battled for dominance in the opening 15 minutes. However, by the time Wellington first five-eighths Jackson Garden-Bashop scored an 80 metre intercept try in the 29th minute, the visitors had scored three tries and silenced the Rugby Park faithful.

Wellington's opening two tries to Trent Renata and lock Will Mangos had touches of brilliance. The visitors' set piece execution allowed the fullback to score the team's first before Mangos' fancy footwork doubled their lead.

Southland looked to be heading to half-time trailing 0-21, until two quick tries in the final five minutes saw the hosts staring down the barrel of a 35-point deficit.

Wellington hooker Asafo Aumua's stellar season contiued, scoring the team's third and providing an incredible supporting role for Thomas Umaga-Jensen's try.

Hoani McDonald's men returned from their half-time talk with a renewed spirit, but it didn't take long for Wellington to inflict another dagger. Wes Goosen scored within five minutes to extend their lead to 42 points.